World: Nuke worker says TEPCO put them at risk

IWAKI - A worker says the operator of a Japanese nuclear plant that went into a tsunami-triggered meltdown knew the risks from highly radioactive water at the site but sent in crews without adequate protection or warnings.

The worker was in a six-member team working at the crippled Fuku­shima Dai-ichi plant's Unit 3 reactor in the early days of last year's crisis. He says the actions by Tokyo Electric Power Co. led to radiation injuries for several members of the team.

The worker spoke on the condition that he be identified only as Shinichi, his given name.

BRAZIL

Military claims big victory over drug traffickers

BRASILIA - Brazil's military says it confiscated four tons of drugs, five dozen vehicles and 200 boats used by drug traffickers in the jungle region along borders with Bolivia and Peru.

That's the result from a three-week military operation involving 7,500 troops patrolling along 2,600 miles where officials say there is heavy trafficking of cocaine and guns.

It was the sixth such operation by the Brazilian military this year. The government wants to exert more control over its long land borders.

LIBYA

Cabinet OK'd, but some may

be reconsidered

TRIPOLI - Libya's parliament on Wednesday approved the country's new Cabinet in a vote of confidence, parliament spokesman said, but some ministers will get a second look.

Omar Humidan said five of the 27 ministers would be reconsidered after concerns were raised over their ties to the deposed regime of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The vote was 105 in favor, nine against and 18 abstentions.

The Cabinet faces the daunting task of imposing control over armed groups, mostly former rebel fighters who defeated Gadhafi's forces during last year's civil war.